Did You Know?

Wolf pups are born with blue eyes, but between 8 and 16 weeks of age, they begin to change to a distinctive golden yellow.

WILD WOLF POPULATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Wild wolf population in the united states

Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) were once among the most widely distributed wild mammals. They inhabited most of the available land in the northern hemisphere. Due to the destruction of their habitat and persecution by humans, they now occupy only about two-thirds of their former range worldwide, and about 10 percent of their historic range in the continental 48 United States. Gray wolf populations according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

» Isle Royale National Park: 2 (updated 2018); Status: Federal protection reinstated via court order December 2014. More information. March 16, 2018 - the National Park Service released its Final Plan/EIS on wolves in Isle Royale National Park, calling for the restoration of a viable wolf population through the release of 25-30 wolves over a three-year period. Next is a waiting period of at least 30 days before issuance of a Record of Decision that documents the final decision and sets out a course of action.

Pacific Northwest

» Oregon: 124 (Apr. 2018); Status: Wolves throughout Oregon were delisted from the state Endangered Species Act (ESA) on November 9, 2015. Wolves remain federally protected in the western portion of the state (west of Hwys 395-78-95). More information.

» Washington: 122 (Mar. 2018) up from 115 in from previous year; Status: State/tribe managed in the eastern third of the state. Federally protected in the western portion. More information.